A/N-Lukiem's POV for the first bit, obviously. I'm not going to put in any quotation marks; you'll know when it switches back.

Disclaimer-The usual-I don't own the stuff you recognize.

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When I was twenty-three, I met a women, and what a women. I fell in love with her at first look. In just a month we got married and months later, our son was born.

Our son was perfect in every way possible. He had my eyes, clear blue. His hair was the color of the sun at high noon, and his skin as soft as the finest velvet. We named him Minkiu, after my wife's father.

Minkiu grew up quickly, to my dismay. He had a talent for finding himself in the middle of trouble, but always helped himself out of it.

Anyone who knew Minkiu always commented on his smile. It lit up the darkest places, and helped you find your way.

Finally, when he was old enough, he joined the army…at sixteen. Sixteen! Can you believe that? At sixteen, one should be having fun, doing the things they like! Instead, he devoted himself to discipline in the army life.

He had only been on duty for a month when something out of the ordinary happened. A group of Tortallan delegates were coming to Carthak, for peace talks. He was put on duty more often.

Not many days past when Minkiu found himself in the hallway, doing normal border patrol, when a massive sound happened. He and the other guards ran towards it. What they saw would change their lives: a female child with dinosaurs razed from the dead.

They didn't falter. One of the guards told me that Minkiu had shouted out: "We will defend our Emperor to the death!"

But the girl kept going. He was knocked down by one of the lizard-things.

And was killed.

The other guards ran for their lives, but not Minkiu. He would stay down…forever. My wife ran away from where we lived when she heard of Minkiu's death. I have no idea of where she lives now, or she's even alive.

And that is why I hate Tortall with every ounce of what my body is made up of. If they had never come here, my son would still be alive. My wife would still be here. Everything would be perfect.

But now it's not.

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Kalasin always thought that she had the short end of the stick.

She had felt that the world was crashing down on her when she had been sent away. That nothing had ever gone right, that she was unlucky.

Before coming to Carthak, Kalasin had not been rude, sarcastic or anything else. She had been shy, playful and kind. But she had to get 'revenge' on Carthak. If Carthak simply wasn't there, neither would she.

She had forgotten how privileged she was, to having a loving family, food on the table and a roof over her head. But Lukiem's story had brought her back to reality.

The real reality.

Lukiem had actually experienced some sort of tragedy while she had not. He had a reason to resent Tortall. Kalasin had no reason to resent Carthak.

"Oh," she said. "Oh."

Lukiem looked at her.

"So that is my story, princess. I hope you understand." All of a sudden, he returned back to his normal frame of mind. "Go back to your room. Now."

Although she had no idea where her room was, she still left. She had a feeling her food was no longer going to be drugged.

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Lukiem could barely contain his glee as the door closed. The second part of the plan was working. Although the story was true, and that's why he hates Tortall, Kalasin actually having pity on him was a bonus. He could easily turn this into a new plan.

He smiled. And when Lukiem smiled, all of his slaves knew that it wasn't a good sign.

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Daine's eyes opened slowly, but she shut them again. Waking up was the last thing on her mind.

Unfortunately for her however, waking her up was the very first thing on Kaddar's mind, who had seen her eyes open.

"Up," he said, not unkindly. Daine didn't move.

He positioned himself behind her, and said once again, "Up."

Nothing.

"Fine. I'll help you." He put his one of her hands on each of her shoulders, and pushed her up.

"Noooo," she complained.

"Yessss," said Kaddar.

She was now in a sitting position, her un-brushed hair dangling in front of her face.

"The room is spinning…" she said.

Kaddar walked over to the desk, where he retrieved a cup of tea, which he had gotten from the bar. The place with the best drinks also had to have the best hangover cure.

"This may help, although time is the best medicine by far. It will all be gone in about eight hours."

"Hours? Not fair…"

He chuckled, and passed her the cup. She just sat there with it.

"You're supposed to drink it," he reminded her.

"Righhhht." She took a drink, and spat it out. "This stuff tastes awful!"

"I know, but think about it. By the time you've finished it, you're eight hours will be up!" he said, disgustingly happy.

She took another sip, and barely managed to keep it down. She had to admit though; even a small sip helped her senses.

After another sip she realized that Kaddar was the Emperor.

"Kaddar! I mean, Highness! Nobilty! Emperor! Whatever you call yourself!"

He laughed. "Kaddar will be fine."

"I'm so sorry Emper-Kaddar. I can't believe I got drunk." She clutched her head. "And now a hangover."

"You should have seen me once. I had such a bad hangover that it took ten hours just to get rid of it! Those were the worst hours of my life, although my friends said it was 'a badge of honor'."

She laughed, but it hurt her head too much.

"Why am I here? No, why are you here?"

"You were drunk, and I brought you back here. I slept here, also, because I have a few questions to ask you."

"Can they wait?" she said. "I don't want to risk throwing up on you."

"They can wait," he said. He sat on the ground beside her.

"So why are you in Carthak?" he asked.

"That's a question! No questions."

"No questions? Fine. Well, the weather is nice today."

"You haven't been outside today."

"Then I guess we'll just have to sit here in silence."

Silence, then:

"Ask your questions."

Kaddar wanted to hug her. Finally, he could get some answers! But realizing just how bad Daine must feel right now…

"They'll wait."

She smiled, and mouthed "Thanks."

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A/N-I didn't know where to cut it off, so I did it there. Please review!